By Oyebola Owolabi
Three more kids have joined the Indomie Heroes Hall of Fame following their recognition at the Indomie Independence Day Awards (IIDA) for their exceptional bravery in the face of daunting challenges.
The award, organised by Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Noodles, is a continuation of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative for children. The award is given in three categories – physical, intellectual and social bravery.
Yahaya Zakai from Sokoto State won the physical bravery award for rescuing a girl from drowning. The 13-year-old entered a well to bring out a girl who fell inside. He got N1 million.
Fourteen-year-old Anthony Lawrence from Imo State won the intellectual bravery award for building a prototype police patrol van using carton, glue and electronic materials he got from the dump site. He also built a remote which controls the van. Anthony got N1 million for his creative ingenuity.
Nine-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke from Abuja won the social bravery award for his work in helping autistic children like him lead meaningful lives.
Kanye was diagnosed with autism at three and a half years. He is limited in speech but makes up for it with his art. Though he cannot express himself like normal people, his paintings have spoken for him as far away in Germany and Vienna, Austria, where he won the ‘Flame of Peace’ award for his contribution to promoting peace with art. He is the youngest awardee ever.
In April, Kanye’s works were sold on auction and the proceeds used to sponsor autistic children who could needed therapy but could not afford it.
His artworks also increase awareness about autism. Kanye was also gifted N1 million. Former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Plc., Chief Joseph Sanusi, gave him an additional N100,000.
Chief Executive Officer of Tolaram Group West Africa Pawan Sharma said the IIDA was established to fill the gap that exists between celebrating and rewarding the positive efforts, strong character and achievements of children who have exhibited courage and heroism at one time or the other within the country.
He said: “This event is noteworthy as it is in consonance with the core values and deep rooted belief of our company and the brand (Indomie) that in every child lies what it takes to become great.”
According to Pawan, Dufil Prima Foods will always celebrate children who are change agents in their respective communities and beyond. “Apart from providing these children with an enthusiastic brand, Dufil believes children need to be empowered, and this we are doing as a brand,” he added.
The keynote speaker, Segun Awosanya, in his speech titled: ‘Equipping the Nigerian child for innovation in a climate of accelerated global advancement, said: “Children are the arrows in our quiver, they are the innovators, change makers, and world changers we shoot into the future to accomplish a task we may never be able to do ourselves. They are the trees we plant today under which we may never sit.”
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